A donkey is a hoofed mammal that is related to the family of Equidae. Horses and Zebras are also part of the same family. Sometimes donkey calls an ass or a burro. Burro is the Spanish word that has been used for the donkey. They are smaller animals compared to horses. But the size and color are dependent upon the species of a donkey. They find in the range of 3.5 ft 5 ft tall and can weigh between 180-1,00 pounds. Donkeys have a variety of colors like grays and browns and, white donkey finds rare. They exist all around the world. It considers as foolish animal and, many jokes had made about it. But there are the top 10 interesting donkey facts which should know and respect this incredible animal.
Donkeys have originated in North Africa around 5,000 years ago. This creature prefers a warm, dry environment like the desert. The Egyptians used donkeys for taking work from this strongest animal. Donkeys were domesticated and have been transported all around the world for thousands of years ago. Even now, many states’ donkeys are still used to till fields, and transport people and goods. They are mostly used to pull carts and other items from one place to another.
There are three different classes of donkeys that have based on their height measured at the shoulder level. Miniature donkey is the smallest class of donkeys. The height of this smallest breed in past was just 36 inches. The other classes of donkeys are the Standard breed which, measures up to 36-54 inches, another one is the Mammoth breed which measures more than 54 inches. They also use as guard livestock against coyotes and wolves. It is due to their instant attack, and by instinct, they bite and kick the enemy.
10: The role of donkeys
One of the interesting facts is that now in developed countries, it is trending that they keep donkeys as pets or breeding. But in developing countries, they are still used for draught, pulling loads, and protecting livestock.
09: The size of the donkey
It is hard to estimate the size of donkeys and their body size and weight. They are influenced by the management and breed of donkeys. Approximately the average weight of donkeys is 180-1,060 lb. Their height should be around 79-160 centimeters.
08: Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of a donkey is only 12 to 15 years if they live in underdeveloped countries according to living conditions. But you know it also includes interesting donkey facts that they can live up to 30 to 50 years if they have been raised in a healthy environment.
07: Social animal
Do you know a donkey is a social animal? Donkeys don’t like being kept on their own although, a single donkey will live rather happily with goats or other donkeys. One of the interesting facts is that the donkey is a herd animal and, a herd chooses the strongest donkey for leadership, even if domesticated. In the wild world, the leader donkey protects the herd from attack by a wolf or other predators and keeps the herd safe. A herd leader always seems like a leader in face of risk. The leader always stays and faces the danger letting enough time for the rest of the herd to escape and make them save.
06: Diet of the donkey
Donkey is an herbivores. Herbivores are those animals that eat only grass and natural vegetation and don’t eat meat. So, the donkey’s main diet is grass, hay, and grains.
05: Efficient digestive system
God has bestowed a very special and very efficient digestive system that can break down even the most indigestible vegetation also. One of the interesting facts about a donkey is that just not only breakdown down vegetation but also they can even extract moisture very efficiently from those plants. Later on, they use the moisture to keep themselves hydrated on dehydrated days.
04: Utilization of meal
It can be surprising for you that donkeys have consisted of those animals which utilize 95% of an entire meal. It has included interesting facts that donkeys can do it because basically, it is a desert animal. So, in a desert where food is scarce so, they utilize the meal on hydrated days and fulfill their need.
03: The hearing ability
One of the interesting facts about a donkey is capable of hearing another donkey from a distance of 60 miles in proper desert conditions. It is possible because of their large ears and excellent hearing ability.
02: Excellent memory
Besides excellent hearing, this normal creature has an excellent memory as well. Mostly we take the donkey as a foolish and incapable animal but it is not true. You know, they can remember another donkey or a place even if they visited around 25 years ago. Amazing!
01: Strange behavior
We are usually annoyed by the strange behavior of donkeys. But you have never thought why they do it. One of the interesting facts is that if any donkey feels something wrong in traveling, it will simply not move ahead and will start digging in its heels. It is because they have understood the danger before. So, people sometimes think that they are stubborn creatures, but it is not true.
